Delegations

API Overview

Delegations in Cardano enable users to participate in the network without running infrastructure themselves. Stake pool delegations allow users to earn rewards by supporting the network's security, while DRep delegations empower users to participate in governance decisions. The Anvil API simplifies implementing both delegation types through a unified interface, letting applications offer these essential features without complex blockchain interactions.

Type	Purpose	Certificate Created
pool	Delegate to stake pool for rewards	StakeDelegation
drep	Delegate to DRep for governance	VoteDelegation

API Endpoint

URL: https://preprod.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/transactions/build Method: POST Headers: Content-Type: application/json, x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY

Request Format

{
  "changeAddress": "addr_test1...", 
  "delegations": [
    {
      "type": "pool" | "drep",
      "address": "addr_test1...",
      "keyHash": "pool_id_or_drep_id"
    }
  ]
}

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Required
type	Either "pool" or "drep"	Yes
address	User's full address	Yes
keyHash	Pool ID or DRep ID	Yes
changeAddress	Address for change	Yes
utxos	Array of UTXOs in CBOR hex format	Yes (in production)

Implementation Guides

Delegate to a DRep

Delegate to a Stake Pool

Transaction Workflow

1. Prepare: Include delegation certificates in transaction

2. Build & Sign: Process transaction with proper certificates and signatures

3. Submit: Send to network (changes effective after current epoch)

Best Practices

• Verification: Confirm pool/DRep IDs before delegation

• Testing: Use testnet before mainnet operations

• Error Handling: Implement robust handling for:

  • Invalid address formats

  • Unknown pool/DRep IDs

  • Insufficient funds

  • Missing signers

Related Resources

• Signing Transactions
• Submitting Transactions